Parkinson’s Disease Flashcards
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
- slowly progressing neurological movement disorder
What is the pathophysiology behind Parkinson’s? When would symptoms start?
- decreased levels of dopamine resulting from degeneration of dopamine storage cells
- results in more excitatory neurotransmitters than inhibitory neurotransmitters, imbalance of these affects voluntary movement
- symptoms do not appear until dopamine levels are decreased by 60%
Clinical manifestations for PD?
Cardinal signs
- tremors
-rigidity
- bradykinesia/akinesia
-postural instability
- subtypes are either tremor dominant or non tremor dominant
Describe the kind of tremor you would see in someone with PD?
Unilateral resting tremor
- disappears with purposeful movement and during sleep
- evident when extremities are at rest
“ Pill rolling”
What is bradykinesia?
the overall slowing of active movement
- patients may take longer to complete activities and have trouble getting up or turning
What is postural instability? What does this place them at risk for?
Loss of postural reflexes
- the pt stands with the head bent forward and have a shuffling gait
INCREASED RISK FOR FALLS
What other symptoms may occur with PD?
Excessive and uncontrolled sweating, drooling, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, constipation, sexual dysfunction
- dysphasia: substantial problem with choking
What happens to your face and voice with PD?
- Face becomes increasingly mask like and expressionless and the frequency of blinking decreases
- Voice impairment may occur due to weakness of speech
How is PD diagnosed?
- the patient’s history
- 2 out of 4 cardinal symptoms - TRAP
- diagnosis often confirmed with a positive response to levodopa
How is PD treated?
- treatment is directed at managing symptoms and maintaining functional independence
What medications work for PD? Surgical procedures?
- Antiparkinsonian medications work by restoring balance of neurotransmitters
-Carbidopa levodopa - Deep brain stimulation:
